Cracks appeared within Ukraine's leadership 0
(Dan Tri) – There are growing cracks within Kiev, as shown by President Zelensky’s Office publicly criticizing the Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine for declaring war on Russia, which has resulted in a deadlock.
General Valery Zaluzhny at a soldier’s funeral held in Kiev in March (Photo: AFP/Getty).
Three days after Chief of the General Staff Valery Zaluzhny’s article, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Office criticized him on November 4.
Speaking on national television, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Office, Mr. Ihor Zhovkva, said General Zaluzhny’s statement helped `relieve the problem` of Russia, and at the same time sparked `panic` among Western allies.
Mr. Zelensky himself also spoke out against the general’s views on the fighting.
`As time passes, everyone gets tired, regardless of their status, and this is understandable,` the President of Ukraine said at a press conference on November 4.
In response to the above developments, the New York Times said that the public criticism `signals an emerging rift between military and civilian leadership at an already challenging time for Ukraine`.
According to the newspaper, rumors about tensions in the relationship between Mr. Zelensky and General Zaluzhny have been spreading in Ukraine for more than a year.
In a statement on November 4, Mr. Zhovkva said that General Zaluzhny’s comments may reflect `a very deep strategic plan`, but there is a risk of harming Ukraine in the war with Russia.
He said General Zaluzhny’s article prompted a number of foreign officials to call him and ask, `What should I report to my leaders? Are you really at a dead end?`.
A damaged Russian tank near Vuhledar in Donetsk province, Ukraine (Photo: Reuters).
Signs of friction appeared on November 3, when Mr. Zelensky suddenly dismissed the Commander of the Ukrainian Special Forces, General Viktor Khorenko, one of Mr. Zaluzhny’s top deputies, without immediately issuing a statement.
A day later, Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, said he was the one who proposed the dismissal but did not explain the reason because he was worried that it could `create a reason for the opponent to weaken Ukraine.`
The decision puzzled some because Gen. Khorenko had achieved a series of successes with attacks behind Russian lines, including raiding Black Sea Fleet ships and infrastructure in Crimea, as well as raiding Black Sea Fleet ships and infrastructure in Crimea.
However, field commanders and military analysts have also encountered grumbling within the army’s ranks over what are seen as politically charged strategic decisions, including attempting to cross the river.
Another source of tension was the decision to fire battalion commanders who led counter-offensive units in southern Ukraine over the summer.
US military officers who worked with General Khorenko were also surprised by the news of his dismissal.
According to Ukraine’s constitution, the president has the right to appoint and dismiss the head of the special forces, although this position is directly subordinate to the army’s chief of staff.
